Woodman to face disciplinary hearing

The Rugby Football Union has confirmed that a disciplinary hearing will be convened to hear the case of Gloucester's Trevor Woodman after his sending off against Beziers.

Woodman was dismissed for fighting during Gloucester's 47-7 pre-season defeat to the French club on 10 August. The disciplinary panel will now meet in Bristol on 29 August to decide on a possible punishment for the prop.

London Irish have announced a player development programme aimed at producing future prospects without them having to sacrifice their studies. The club is setting up 30-strong squads at under-16, 17, 19 and 21 levels with the aim of producing the nucleus of a home-grown senior side within five years.

The club have linked up with Downside and Pangbourne Colleges to offer bursaries to promising players with under-19 full-back Matthew Hulland the first to take advantage.